Click here for our Daily E-Clips policy.

Wednesday, May 28

White House cuts aid for state unemployment systems
The White House is terminating $400 million in funds for states meant to modernize their unemployment insurance systems. Why it matters: These systems fell apart when unemployment soared in the pandemic, leading to rampant fraud and delays for beneficiaries. Continue reading at Axios. (Maura Losch)

‘I’m pretty upset’: WA lawmaker wants to override governor’s veto of his bill
State lawmakers delivered 423 bills to Gov. Bob Ferguson this year and he signed them all. Except one. Its sponsor hopes the Washington Legislature will override the veto the next time it is in session. “It shocked me,” said Rep. Mark Klicker, R-Walla Walla. “People were excited about this and the governor turned around and vetoed it.” Continue reading at Washington State Standard. (Jacquelyn Jimenez Romero)

A WA mother had custody of kids and protection from her abuser. Then a guardian ad litem got involved
For a long time, the justice system in Snohomish County believed Gina Bloom. When she told police in February 2020 that her then-husband, Brian Yorks, had assaulted her, they arrested him for second-degree rape. When she reported that he would control and intimidate her, the Snohomish County Superior Court granted her a protection order. And when Yorks filed for divorce following her rape accusation, a court commissioner gave her temporary custody of their 4- and 6-year-old sons. Continue reading at InvestigateWest. (Dan DeLong)

Print

Aberdeen Daily World
WDFW, prisoners release butterflies in the prairie
Salary Commission sets county commissioner pay to $143K

Axios
White House cuts aid for state unemployment systems
Lumen Field getting upgrades ahead of 2026 World Cup
Native American programs protected from Trump’s anti-DEI order, agencies say
Trump pauses student visa interviews, weighs social media vetting for applicants

Bellingham Herald
Bellingham buying nearly 100 acres to preserve land around Lake Whatcom

Capital Press
USDA to purchase $16 million of Pacific pink shrimp
Energy secretary ‘passionately in support’ of lower Snake River dams
Shaniko Wool, Oregon Seed Council honored with global trade awards

Everett Herald
Sewer district notifies Edmonds schools of intent to sue
Mountlake Terrace celebrates connections at State of the City address
Bloomberg Comment: What’s the upshot of FDA’s new covid shot policy?

The Inlander
Cuts to already-approved taxpayer funding for arts and humanities agencies are impacting the Inland Northwest

Kitsap Sun
Kitsap Transit raising fares, eliminating transfers for fast ferries

News Tribune
California’s Ban on Gas-Powered Cars is Dead
Hanford nuclear site was on the brink of layoffs. Then this happened in D.C.
WA gives $2M towards group’s effort to buy Tacoma motel for refugee housing
Trump administration tells state regulators it won’t back some discrimination claims
Opinion: Washington is deciding — right now — to allow hunger to grow

Olympian
WA doesn’t restrict older drivers. Here’s why changes could be on the way
Olympia officials consider limiting the information landlords can use to screen tenants

Peninsula Daily News
Court denies request to halt logging activity in Elwha Watershed

Port Townsend Leader
Canadian tourism cools, Port Townsend feels the heat

Puget Sound Business Journal
Here’s how many millionaires live in Seattle in 2025
Seattle-area job market shrinks by thousands of roles in months

South Whidbey Record
New bill addresses bad behavior on ferries

Spokesman Review
23 years later, Hanford site set to treat WWII, Cold War radioactive waste
Idaho pauses executions into 2026 as prison system preps for firing squad
State budget shortfall delays $13 million bridge replacement project in Colfax
Mike Volz, now Spokane County treasurer, reiterates intent not to run for re-election to Legislature
Baumgartner calls on RFK Jr. to reopen Spokane research lab focused on safety for miners, wildland firefighters

Tri-City Herald
Traffic detour begins for $8M Richland Highway 240 project near Hanford

Washington Post
Judge blocks bid to end NYC congestion pricing
GOP rejects ‘millionaire tax’ pitch, advancing breaks for the rich
RFK Jr. says he may bar scientists from publishing in top medical journals

WA State Standard
Uber, Lyft drivers win more benefits, protections despite industry pushback
‘I’m pretty upset’: WA lawmaker wants to override governor’s veto of his bill (Peterson, Bateman)
After reaching historic lows, hydropower generation in the Northwest expected to rise in 2025

Wenatchee World
Chelan County signs $2M purchase agreement for potential Malaga waterfront park

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Jayapal slams Trump’s budget plan as ‘big, beautiful betrayal’
Quarter-million Washingtonians could lose health insurance, senators warn
Tacoma church offering hope through housing with 60 new affordable units
Multiple arrests made amid protest of faith-based event outside Seattle City Hall

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Summer ferry schedule about to set sail
Pay up! King County Metro is resuming fare enforcement
Give your input on upcoming changes for ferry fares, policies
Seattle parks will close earlier than normal in citywide safety crackdown
Eight arrested as protest prompts street closures outside Seattle City Hall

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Washington State DNR battles Second Creek Fire as it expands to 153 acres near Leavenworth

KUOW Public Radio
Washington consumers will gain ‘right to repair’ cellphones, other electronics (Gregerson)
8 arrested as anti-LGBTQ group, counterprotesters descend on Seattle City Hall

KXLY (ABC)
Mead School Board re-enrolls in WIAA, revisits proposed changes to transgender student policy

Web

Cascade PBS
Federal and state cuts threaten Washington early-learning programs

InvestigateWest
Family law experts push legal framework to guide guardian ad litem reform in Washington
A WA mother had custody of kids and protection from her abuser. Then a guardian ad litem got involved

MyNorthwest
The fight over food assistance: For a Washington Senator—It’s personal

The Urbanist
Seattle Just Rezoned the Entire City — That Was the Easy Part
Judge Dismisses Last-Ditch Challenges of Draft Seattle Growth Plan

West Seattle Blog
TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER, ROAD WORK: Warm Wednesday watch
Seattle Police hiring pace described as ‘unprecedented’ and ‘amazing.’ But you won’t see that on the streets for a while

Tuesday, May 27

The City Let Anti-LGBTQ Religious Zealots Take Over Cal Anderson
On Saturday, an extremist anti-LGBTQ, anti-abortion group called Mayday USA took over the center of Cal Anderson Park in Capitol Hill. And this far-right invasion wasn’t a shock. It was a city-permitted prayer rally at the center of Seattle’s queerest neighborhood. On the first day of Memorial Day weekend, when queer Seattleites would typically be sunbathing in the grass, Seattle’s parks department granted the group a 15-hour permit to dominate the park with stadium speakers. Continue reading at The Stranger. (Ryder Collins)

Yum! You can now take some roadkill home to eat in southwest WA
Good news for people who enjoy deer, elk and saving money: The Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife will allow people to take home and eat deer killed in motor vehicle crashes in Clark, Cowlitz and Wahkiakum counties. The rule change went into effect May 17 and was announced Monday. Continue reading at The Washington State Standard. (Getty Images)

Seattle parks aim to crack down on late-night parties
Seattle will have more police patrols and new gates installed at some of its busiest parks this summer, as city officials seek to crack down on overnight partying and noise complaints. The big picture: The changes are part of a summer safety plan the mayor’s office announced this week, which will also include shorter summer hours at two of Seattle’s most popular waterfront parks, Alki Beach and Golden Gardens. Continue reading at Axios. (Melissa Santos)

Print

Aberdeen Daily World
What’s next for Terry Emmert in Aberdeen?

Axios
Touch-screen kiosks may come to Seattle streets
Seattle parks aim to crack down on late-night parties

Capital Press
House puts tax on remittances to foreign countries
Senate pulls plug on EV mandate; California vows to sue
Oregon increases budget to fight wildfires, federal hiring reaches 84% of target
MAHA report commits to helping farmers; targets ultra-processed foods, chemicals

Columbian
PeaceHealth report highlights critical needs in Clark County region
Clark County CEO pay rising in line with international trends, says survey

Everett Herald
Everett to release final draft of comp plan
Everett City Council approves apprenticeship ordinance (Fosse)
Washington climate goals jeopardized by U.S. Senate vote
WA delegation urges Trump to reconsider request for bomb cyclone aid
Former engineer: Snohomish County rushed plans for Eastview development
Imagine Children’s Museum $250k grant reinstated following federal court order
Editorial: Youth Forum: Just what are those kids thinking?
Bloomberg Comment: The ugly truth in the GOP’s big, beautiful bill
Bloomberg Comment: What’s the upshot of FDA’s new covid shot policy

News Tribune
Gov. Bob Ferguson delivers message for WA families worried about tax hikes
Puyallup’s finance reports had ‘significant deficiencies,’ including $2M grants
Old Tacoma elementary school to become new childcare center, workforce hub

Northwest Asian Weekly
Seattle Memorial Day events honor Asian American veterans and fallen heroes

Peninsula Daily News
Tourism dips from decreased Canadian visits
Port Angeles School District’s enrollment numbers holding steady

Puget Sound Business Journal
Construction to begin on Everett affordable housing project
Workers feel stigma around disability accommodations has worsened

Seattle Times
WA consumers will gain ‘right to repair’ cellphones, other electronics

Spokesman Review
West Valley Schools fleet adds three (very quiet) electric buses
Columbia River salmon restoration hit hard by $1.5B cut to Army Corps of Engineers
Spokane County, two largest cities agree to share data, coordinate on homelessness response

Tri-City Herald
Hanford nuclear site was on the brink of layoffs. Then this happened in D.C.
23 years later. Eastern WA plant ready to treat WWII, Cold War radioactive waste

Washington Post
A big Trump administration cutback went nearly unnoticed
Trump threatens California’s federal funding over a trans athlete
7 ways Senate Republicans are split over Trump’s tax and immigration bill

WA State Standard
Skagit Delta tidegate repair awaits resolve of legal action
Homebuying options remain slim for middle-income earners
Yum! You can now take some roadkill home to eat in southwest WA
WA consumers will gain ‘right to repair’ cellphones and other electronics (Gregerson)
Funding cut for programs that help Washington foster children navigate school
Red pen politics: 7 vetoes Gov. Bob Ferguson made in the Washington state budget

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
AI stepping up as backup for short-staffed PenCom dispatchers
Seattle leaders blasted for permitting religious rally that sparked protests, arrests

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Calls grow for Seattle mayor to step down after weekend arrests
Beloved Mount Rainier hiking, camping destinations to close for years
Puyallup fails to report $2.1M in federal COVID grants, admits mistake
Lynnwood looks to make up multi-million dollar shortfall in expected revenue

KUOW Public Radio
What’s changed since we got the Strippers’ Bill of Rights?
Ferguson breaks with past Washington governors — on his official bill-signing pens
GOP megadonor planning new round of Washington state tax, parents’ rights initiatives

KXLY (ABC)
Hundreds of tribes gather for Northwest Powwow in Spokane
Washington State Patrol investigating fatal crash near Mattawa
State suing eastern Washington property owners for sparking wildfire that destroyed thousands of acres

Web

Cascadia Daily News
Nurses approve new PeaceHealth contract
Fairhaven pathway will be partly closed for fish passage project this summer
Editorial: Bellingham’s ongoing civic response to major missteps in public schools: Zzzzzzz

MyNorthwest
Washington governor vetoes parts of clemency bill

The Stranger
What’s Behind the Gilded Doors of Aegis Senior Living?
The City Let Anti-LGBTQ Religious Zealots Take Over Cal Anderson

West Seattle Blog
TRAFFIC, WEATHER, TRANSIT, ROAD WORK: Post-holiday Tuesday

Friday, May 23

Ferguson warns ‘cruel’ Medicaid cuts would rip health care from 200K WA residents
Gov. Bob Ferguson on Thursday warned that the U.S. Congress’ proposed Medicaid cuts would jeopardize health-care access for nearly 2 million Washington residents. Medicaid is the nation’s health-care program for those with lower income and some people with disabilities. In Washington state, “Apple Health” refers to the state’s Medicaid program, which provides free or low-cost health insurance to eligible residents. Continue reading at The Olympian. (TVW)

State budget, legislation could help vacant Lynnwood Crisis Care Center
Nearly two years have passed since Lynnwood finished constructing its new crisis care center. But it still sits vacant, waiting for patients to fill its green recliners and empty beds. Crisis care centers throughout Washington have struggled to find operators due to statewide funding challenges. During this year’s legislative session, lawmakers worked to find solutions. Continue reading at The Herald. (Olivia Vanni)

Newhouse pursues legislation to stabilize Washington farm workforce
Washington state’s robust tree-fruit industry could soon be at a breaking point: According to Mark Powers of the Northwest Horticultural Council, the state’s agricultural industry as a whole is contending with enormous ongoing challenges, from adverse weather conditions to reduced crop yields year over year. According to a survey conducted by the Northwest Horticultural Council, tree-fruit growers indicated the cost of agricultural labor for growers has increased by an estimated 127% over the last decade, far exceeding the 22% increase in payments they receive when selling their fruit. Continue reading at Cascade PBS. (Genna Martin)

Print

Aberdeen Daily World
FEMA extends Period of Performance for Westport tsunami tower
Embattled property investor Terry Emmert broadcasts mixed signals in Grays Harbor

Capital Press
Stripe rust found in Washington commercial fields

Everett Herald
Stop Trump’s tariffs, WA leaders beg court
Everett to seek Creative District designation
Sound Transit approves contract to build Bothell bus facility
Executive order makes way for Paine Field expansion planning
State budget, legislation could help vacant Lynnwood Crisis Care Center (Davis)
Letter: Time for age, term limits for all politicians
Letter: Fluoridated water best way to ensure dental health

The Inlander
Spokane joins regional strategic plan to end homelessness
Tariffs could raise apple prices, pinching shoppers who’ll pay more even as growers earn less
Cuts to already-approved taxpayer funding for arts and humanities agencies are impacting the Inland Northwest

News Tribune
Traveling for Memorial Day weekend? WSDOT says leave early or stay late

Olympian
Ferguson warns ‘cruel’ Medicaid cuts would rip health care from 200K WA residents (Jinkins)
WA governor calls on Reps. Newhouse, Baumgartner to explain ‘dire’ cuts to Medicaid

Peninsula Daily News
Operation Shielding Hope helping to reduce overdose deaths

Puget Sound Business Journal
Things are improving at Pacific Place, but are still ‘very fragile’
Boeing nears 737 Max production cap as it eyes further increases
Workers feel stigma around disability accommodations has worsened

Seattle Times
WA elected officials, hospitals blast Medicaid vote as ‘terrible,’ ‘cruel’
Quilcene School District bans transgender athletes from school sports
Environmental groups join WA lawsuit against Trump cuts to EV chargers

Spokesman Review
Okanogan County nonprofits awarded grants from Community Foundation of NCW
Dehumanization of homeless population causes violence against it, homeless advocate says
Union representing laid-off Spokane occupational safety workers rallies outside HHS, calling on RFK Jr. to reinstate researchers
Baumgartner, Newhouse help House pass Trump’s ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ after GOP state lawmakers warn of Medicaid cuts

Washington Post
Judge temporarily blocks Trump ban on foreign students at Harvard
Trump threatens tariffs on iPhones, European Union in trade war escalation
Clean energy dollars are gushing to red states. Now GOP senators are in a bind.

WA State Standard
What Medicaid cuts passed by U.S. House could mean for WA
U.S. Senate vote to nix California tailpipe emissions standard blocks 17 other states
Idaho lawmakers urge feds to move Small Business office from Seattle to their state
Columbia River salmon restoration hit hard by $1.5B cut to Army Corps of Engineers
Union hit with fine for failing to report $430K in WA campaign contributions on time

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Ferguson on Medicaid cuts: ‘Hospitals will close, nursing homes will close’
Trial to begin for man accused of killing WSP trooper while driving under the influence

KNKX Public Radio
WA Gov. Ferguson’s first session: New taxes and tough choices

KUOW Public Radio
Governor Ferguson leaves most tax increases in place as he signs the budget into law
Looks like they made it, or not. Highlights from Washington’s 2025 legislative session
ICE agents at Seattle courthouse arrest people whose deportation hearings are dismissed

Web

Cascadia Daily News
SSC trash and recycling rates will go up in Whatcom County
Skagit commissioners to hear battery farm appeal on June 2

Cascade PBS
WA governor calls U.S. House Medicaid cuts ‘dire,’ vows to fight
Newhouse pursues legislation to stabilize Washington farm workforce

MyNorthwest
Judge blocks Trump’s orders to dismantle the Education Department
Governor Bob Ferguson confronts Donald Trump’s ‘chaotic and illegal’ tariffs in brief

The Urbanist
Sound Transit Starts I-90 Testing, Full 2-Line Opening Slips to 2026
Harrell Chops Off Dozens of City Blocks from Planned Growth Centers

Thursday, May 22

Stop Trump’s tariffs, WA leaders beg court
The past couple months have been a rollercoaster ride at the Port of Seattle. In response to President Donald Trump’s tariff whipsaw, international cargo imports spiked in March and April as shippers tried to get ahead of anticipated tariffs. Traffic through the ports of Seattle and Tacoma dropped significantly in recent weeks, but forecasts now predict a rebound. Shippers are trying to rush goods after the United States agreed to lower import taxes on China from 145% to 30% for a 90-day truce, according to Seattle port commissioner Ryan Calkins. Businesses fear what could come after those 90 days. Continue reading at the Washington State Standard. (Pete Saloutos)

Facing extreme health disparities, Native voices must be added to Spokane’s Board of Health under new state law
A seat meant to represent tribal communities has remained vacant on the Spokane Regional Health District board for the past three years. A new state law will require multiple tribal voices to be seated on the board overseeing Spokane’s public health. The new law is set to remake the local board and potentially double its size. Local health boards must now seat a board member appointed by a local tribe or an urban Indian organization recognized by the Indian Health Service. According to the law’s author, that could mean three tribal representatives on the SRHD board, if not more. Continue reading at the Spokesman-Review. (Dan Pelle)

State cuts wildfire prevention funds in half. Is WA ready for the summer fire season?
Washington state lawmakers made numerous cuts to balance the budget — including a “massive” reduction in the state’s wildfire prevention, resilience and response funding. That’s according to Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove, head of the Department of Natural Resources. He said that a few years ago, state lawmakers committed to providing $125 million per biennium for wildfire prevention and response. Over the past two bienniums, it averaged about $120 million. Continue reading at The Olympian. (Steve Bloom)

Print

Aberdeen Daily World
How long will the Olympic Peninsula tree-sit go on?

Bainbridge Island Review
Few BI priorities advance in state legislature (Hansen, Simmons, Nance)

Bellingham Herald
Freebies, discounts and new routes on Washington ferries this summer
Canada, we miss you. Bellingham leaders invite ‘favorite cousin’ for a visit
They’re not tickets. What to know about WA’s new speeding ‘courtesy notices’

Capital Press
Farm groups worry about Make America Healthy Again report

Everett Herald
New 911 center in Everett built to survive disaster
Students, educators speak out against Early Learning Center closure
Letter: Return of salmon after dam removal proves it works
Comment: Cuts to science grants threat to our health, economy

The Inlander
New retail cannabis licenses are coming to Washington in the name of social equity

International Examiner
New SPD Chief Shon Barnes shares public safety priorities with the CID

Kent Reporter
U.S. Rep. Smith rips ICE raid at Kent company
ICE arrests 17 in raid at Kent beverage business

News Tribune
11 stories highlight Pierce County’s approach to address homelessness
‘Nobody wins.’ Parents, staff react to deep cuts at Tacoma Public Schools
Contract talks get ugly between Pierce County, deputies. Public safety at risk?
Opinion: Tacoma, don’t plant the wrong trees. Our canopy must face a new climate

Northwest Asian Weekly
Two legal green card holders held in “black box” of CBP custody at SeaTac Airport — Local officials not notified

Olympian
Ferguson targets ‘illegal’ Trump tariffs with his support for multi-state lawsuit
State cuts wildfire prevention funds in half. Is WA ready for the summer fire season? (Robinson)

Peninsula Daily News
Joint Public Safety Facility pared down

Puget Sound Business Journal
SBA launches online tool to boost manufacturing efforts
Sound Transit starts testing light rail cars on I-90 floating span
Sustainable aviation fuel center at Paine Field lands new funding

Seattle Times
Wildfire season in WA: Above-normal risk in forecast
Memorial Day travel: How to navigate flying at Sea-Tac
WA residents will need state permit to buy guns under new law
Law amending WA ‘parents bill of rights’ goes into effect immediately
Once-proud WA beer brand making ‘kitschy’ comeback in Canada and Texas
House Republicans pass Trump’s big bill of tax breaks and program cuts after all-night session
Editorial: Ferguson complicit in largest tax increase in WA history
Opinion: NIH funding drives the health of WA economy and its residents

Spokesman Review
‘How are we going to survive that long?’: Spokane-area companies adjust to ‘inefficiencies’ of tariffs
Facing extreme health disparities, Native voices must be added to Spokane’s Board of Health under new state law (Hill)

Tri-City Herald
Richland is abandoning Bateman Island now that feds cut off their access
Shauna Sowersby: Raises for one union not funded in WA budget, leading to finger-pointing

Washington Post
Justices deadlock on religious school
House approves Trump’s massive tax, immigration package

WA State Standard
Stop Trump’s tariffs, WA leaders beg court
Columbia River salmon restoration hit hard by $1.5B cut to Army Corps of Engineers
U.S. House Republicans push through massive tax and spending bill slashing Medicaid
Upper-income taxpayers favored in U.S. House GOP budget bill, nonpartisan analysis shows

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
New Washington state coalition challenges Trump tariffs
Banned police guns could end up in the hands of civilians
Seattle leaders take new actions to prevent crime at parks, beaches

KXLY (ABC)
$48 million Trent-Pines project coming to Spokane Valley
Spokane County approves new license plate cameras prompting privacy concerns
“It’s their land again”: Salish School accepts land transfer from Catholic Charities in emotional ceremony

Web

Cascadia Daily News
Guemes Island Ferry repairs fall farther behind schedule
Whatcom-Skagit Housing program facing federal funding cuts
Glacier battery storage site, once cutting edge, now source of frustration for residents

Cascade PBS
Gov. Ferguson approves $78 billion spending plan with new taxes
Gov. Ferguson says Trump tariff effects could be ‘profound’ in WA

The Stranger
Slog AM: ICE Is in Our Courtrooms, the House Passed the Big Beautiful Bill, the IRS Is a Snitch

Washington Observer
A new student bill of rights (Stonier)
Ferguson tacks left and embraces the Legislature
Permit-to-purchase gun control gets a final green light (Berry)

West Seattle Blog
TRAFFIC, WEATHER, ROAD WORK, TRANSIT: Thursday, with holiday weekend approaching, and air/sea drill reminder
STATE FERRIES: With systemwide community meeting #2 tomorrow, here’s what happened at #1 today

Wednesday, May 21

Governor Ferguson signs Washington’s contentious $77.9B operating budget
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson has signed one of the most hotly debated pieces of legislation—the state’s operating budget. After months of political tug-of-war, lawmakers agreed on SB 5167, a massive $77.9 billion operating budget for the next two years. Continue reading at KIRO 7. (TVW)

WA vaccine scientists push back against FDA changes around COVID shots
Seattle vaccine experts were surprised and confused by the country’s apparent new direction around updated COVID-19 shots, which top officials at the Food and Drug Administration revealed Tuesday and appears to restrict availability to older adults and people at higher risk for severe disease. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Erika Schultz)

You will have to get a permit to purchase a gun in Washington under this new law
Those looking to acquire a firearm in Washington state will have to acquire a permit to do so, due to a new law signed Tuesday by Gov. Bob Ferguson. The bill will take effect May 1, 2027. House Bill 1163 requires that a person apply for a permit to purchase firearms through the Washington State Patrol (WSP) Firearms Background Check program. Continue reading at King 5. (King 5)